Summary

In Chapter three, the first signs, and worry and fear, begin for Rukmani and her husband. After giving birth to a baby girl, they both fear that Ira will be their only child, and that there will be no sons to work the land with their father. To add to her stress, Rukmani’s mother falls ill. On her deathbed, her mother tells Rukmani, “You will yet bear many sons. I see them, and what the dying see comes to pass.” (18) In caring for and staying with her mother during her illness, Rukmani meets Kenny, a Western doctor with a rough but ultimately deeply caring attitude. A bond develops between Rukmani and Kenny as she watches the care and respect he shows to her mother as she finally passes.

In a moment of weakness, Rukmani opens up to Kenny about her fear and frustration at...